Tools - The Blind Man's Workshop

Record Power DML24 Lathe Restoration

This is the original incarnation of the DML24 from Record Power. It’s a three-speed wood turning lathe made around 1997 and is about as basic as a lathe gets.

Rutlands Precision 1/4 Inch Router Review

When Makita popularised the small trim-router, I wonder if they could have ever imagined how many manufacturers would jump on the bandwagon and produce copies, even literal clones of their product. I’ve used a Makita RT0700C trim router for years and it’s one of my favourite tools, but I’ve never been able to justify the……

Rutlands Premium Router Table, R15 Lift & Motor Review

Rutlands’ premium router tables comprise 27 mm phenolic laminated table tops, solid fences and t tracks for jigs, feather boards and mitre gauges. Combined with their lifts and motors they promise an accurate, safe and highly versatile routing solution.

Axminster Workshop AW300DS Disc Sander Review

The AW300DS from Axminster Tools Is a 300 mm disc sander with a 750W induction motor, cast-iron table and clever dual-face mitre fence. I was recently manufacturing a big batch of very small wooden parts and needed to sand the faces and edges to accurate squares and bevels.

Accurately Centre a Wood Lathe Faceplate

I recently began wood turning having acquired and restored a ‘90s vintage Record DML-24 lathe. One of my first projects was, rather ambitiously, a tulip bowl which presented my first real challenge.

Cool Tools Episode 5: Digital Edition

Technology has brought improvements to every area of life, and tools are no exception. Even traditional tools like the humble tape measure haven’t escaped the digital era.

Kreg KMA3200 5 mm Shelf Pin JIg

The KMA3220 shelf pin jig from Kreg Tools is a quick and easy way to drill accurate holes for cabinet shelves at a standard distance of 32 mm centre to centre. I needed to fit adjustable shelving to a recent cabinet project.

Axminster AC220RD Bench-Top Radial Pillar Drill Reviewed

The AC220RD from Axminster Tools is a five-speed radial pillar drill complete with a 16 mm keyless chuck and sturdy cast table assembly. A radial drill has the advantage of increased throat depth over a standard pillar drill; here a massive 420 mm between the centre of the chuck and front face of the column.

Clarke Contractor CR4 2000W Plunge Router Reviewed

The Clarke Contractor CR4 is a large variable speed plunge router with a 2000-watt motor. I needed a plunge router that could be kept for freehand use, negating the need to remove the Dewalt from its semi-permanent home in the router table.

Sealey PDM155B Pillar Drill / Drill Press Reviewed

The Sealey PDM155B is a model in their Premier range of tools and the largest bench-top model they offer. It stands 1050 mm tall and has 16 speeds, a 600W induction motor, and a fully adjustable 290 mm square cast table and precise quill assembly for accurate drilling.

Triton TSPS450 Oscillating Spindle Sander Reviewed

The TSPS450 from Triton Tools is an oscillating spindle sander with a large 370 x 295 mm cast-iron table and a powerful 450-watt motor. Spindle sanders, sometimes known as bobbin sanders due to their cylindrical sanding drums are great for sanding curved surfaces.

Axminster Craft / Workshop AC1400B / AW1400B Bandsaw Reviewed

The AC1400B is the smallest bandsaw offered by Axminster Tools. Part of the Axminster Craft range, it is a bench-top model intended for small craft projects in the home workshop.

Dewalt DWS774-GB Sliding Mitre Saw Reviewed

Dewalts self-proclaimed “classic” saw design has been around for years, with minor model updates elevating performance and Flex-Volt cordless options completing the range. I wanted a saw that would offer repeatability and accuracy in the construction of projects from reclaimed pallet wood, and accurate mitres in small furniture, instrument components, turntable plinths and other similar……

Cool Tools Episode 4: Saws, Hammers & Bars

Everyone loves a power tool, but there are some instances where the best source of power comes from within. Many woodworkers use the same tools their fathers used before them.

Cool Tools Episode 3: Pliers, Cutters & Strippers

I do a great deal of work with electronics and I wire a lot of guitars, so a good set of pliers, cutters and wire strippers is important. Up until recently I’d been using the same set of combination pliers, long-nose pliers and side cutters that I received as a Birthday gift when I was……

Cool Tools Episode 2: Squares

A good set of squares is invaluable, but don’t fall into the trap of assuming any square is accurate. There are many types of square and some are more widely useful than others.

Cool Tools Episode 1, Screwdrivers & Nut Spinners

Here are a few tools I recommend personally use. A quality tool is one that can be handed down through generations.

Category: Tools

Record Power DML24 Lathe Restoration

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Rutlands Precision 1/4 Inch Router Review

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Rutlands Premium Router Table, R15 Lift & Motor Review

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Axminster Workshop AW300DS Disc Sander Review

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Accurately Centre a Wood Lathe Faceplate

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Cool Tools Episode 5: Digital Edition

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Kreg KMA3200 5 mm Shelf Pin JIg

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Axminster AC220RD Bench-Top Radial Pillar Drill Reviewed

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Clarke Contractor CR4 2000W Plunge Router Reviewed

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Sealey PDM155B Pillar Drill / Drill Press Reviewed

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Triton TSPS450 Oscillating Spindle Sander Reviewed

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Axminster Craft / Workshop AC1400B / AW1400B Bandsaw Reviewed

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Dewalt DWS774-GB Sliding Mitre Saw Reviewed

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Cool Tools Episode 4: Saws, Hammers & Bars

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Cool Tools Episode 3: Pliers, Cutters & Strippers

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Cool Tools Episode 2: Squares

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Cool Tools Episode 1, Screwdrivers & Nut Spinners

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